Council vote reversed on development of stockyard site

ALEXANDRIA, Louisiana: The Alexandria City Council reversed it's own decision on July 1, 2009 when it voted 4-3 to back Mayor Jacques Roy's plan for development of the former Dominique-Miller stockyard site in the city limits. After over an hour of discussion and debate between the councilmen and Roy whether the site should only be used for commerical zoning. Roy initially had vetoed the coucil's measure, which was approved by a 5-1 vote on June 16, 2009.[1]

The mayor wanted to usa a plan that incorporated a gated apartment complex with 56 units for moderate-income occupancy, while reserving about 10 acres for commercial development. After a failed attempt to overturn the mayoral veto, the council adopted an amended ordinance agreeing to the planned use for the stockyard property urged by Roy, which angered some residents in the area. Resident Emile Hurts, Jr. stated that the $38 million project isn't something the community desires.

"The administration seems to think [the residents] are crazy. Who wouldn't want a $30 million project? When people are telling you they're turning down $30 million, they're saying something. If you can't hear that, you'll hear it on election day," Hurts said.